National monitoring system
Each year, we collect information from local authorities on their implementation of the RMA through the National monitoring system. This information is used to improve policy and practice at the national and local level.
Each year, we collect information from local authorities on their implementation of the RMA through the National monitoring system. This information is used to improve policy and practice at the national and local level.
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is the main piece of legislation guiding the management of New Zealand’s environment. Most of the everyday decision-making under the Act is delegated to local authorities (ie, territorial authorities and regional councils).
Each year, we collect information from local authorities on their implementation of the RMA through the National Monitoring System (NMS). This information is used to improve policy and practice at the national and local level.
The NMS is a spreadsheet that councils fill in annually and submit to the Ministry.
Councils are asked to provide detailed information on:
Most of the questions asked in the NMS are the same from year to year. Some are added or dropped as information requirements change. We have compiled and published this information as a national dataset for each financial year since 2014/15.
NMS data is used to:
The NMS built upon and replaced the biennial RMA Survey of Local Authorities, which ran from 1996/97 to 2012/13.
For more detailed information on the NMS, including the general structure and content, read the discussion document from when the NMS was proposed.
National Monitoring System for the Resource Management Act 1991 – A proposal for discussion
Access and explore data on resource consent applications processed by councils from 2014/15 to 2020/21.
Access data on council implementation of the Resource Management Act 1991 on key topics. The data is from the National Monitoring System.
Download the complete data for 2014/15 to 2020/21 on council implementation of the Resource Management Act 1991. The data is from the National Monitoring System.
This report highlights patterns in councils' implementation of the Resource Management Act 1991 over the past seven years. It identifies patterns in RMA implementation, which may be used to inform the development of policy or practice. This report has been released in addition to the 2019/20 dataset, to provide an easily understood picture for the wider community.
Patterns and trends in council implementation of the Resource Management Act 1991 from 2014/15 to 2018/19. Data is from the National Monitoring System.
The report: Trends in RMA implementation - National Monitoring System 2014/15 to 2018/19 highlights patterns and trends in implementation of the Resource Management Act by councils over the past five years. The purpose of the report is to identify areas for improvement in policy or practice.
Patterns and trends in council implementation of the Resource Management Act 1991 from 1996/17 to 2012/13. Data is from the RMA Survey of Local Authorities.
Between 1995 and 2014, 11 national surveys monitored local government implementation of the RMA.
The survey was our principal source of information about RMA processes. It helped us monitor the implementation and operation of the RMA. This included reviewing how local authorities implemented both the RMA and recommended good practices.
The survey did not measure the performance of the RMA in delivering better environmental outcomes. Nor did it measure how well individual councils delivered these outcomes. This occurs through state of the environment monitoring and reporting at both the national and local level.
Data councils are required to provide on their implementation of the Resource Management Act 1991.
We ask local authorities to populate the NMS Excel template for 2021/22 (see below) and email it to us at nms@mfe.govt.nz by the submission due date of 31 August 2022.
The guidance document explains how to populate the Excel template.
If you have any questions email nms@mfe.govt.nz or phone 022 517 3280.
NMS data for 2022/23 should be submitted by 31 August 2023.
NMS data for 2021/22 should be submitted by 31 August 2022.
NMS data for 2020/21 should be submitted by 31 August 2021.
NMS data for 2019/20 should be submitted by 30 November 2020.
NMS 2018/19 was due on 31 August 2019.